Science inspires children, encouraging them to be inquisitive about the world, nurtures their innate curiosity and enables them to develop a range of skills that are useful across the curriculum. I believe that we should all champion primary science and make sure that every child has a positive and enjoyable experience of science throughout their primary school education. I want spark the enthusiasm for science in the next generation so they can be inspired to see where science is seen throughout many various careers and that these careers are accessible to everyone.

Mrs Jones

In order to allow all children to SHINE, an enriched science curriculum that provides many opportunities for learning is vital. Science in our school provides opportunity for children to explore aspects of nature including seasons and other natural phenomenon; find out about Earth, space, and the universe and their place in it; question and explore why things happen and how things work; debate and question ‘big’ ideas such as evolution; develop a sense of ‘awe’ and ‘wonder’ about the world around them.

Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards in science. We want our pupils to develop a love for science that allows them to explore and understand the world around them, instilling in them an awareness of how science is relevant in their day to day lives.

Fundamental British Values are supported through the Science curriculum:

Democracy: Children are encouraged to work collaboratively and listen to other’s opinions and ideas. Rule of law: Children are taught the importance of following safety rules in science; they understand that some laws are put in place to support a healthy life-style. Individual liberty: Children are encouraged to express views or ideas freely, to express hypotheses and discuss ideas and to make predictions that might be different to those of other children (as seen when learning about famous Scientists). They are encouraged to express personal views when discussing a sensitive or controversial science issue. Tolerance and respect: Children are encouraged to work together to plan enquiries; decide on roles during shared investigations; listen to feedback and share conclusions; learn from others, including experts; listen to and evaluate the ideas of others.

Knowledge

Science is based on the National Curriculum 2014 with working scientifically skills following a progression approach using the Lancashire skills grid. The Association for Science Education (ASE) resources (TAPS and PLAN) are used to support both planning and assessment. Our curriculum is carefully planned to allow all children to succeed. Some topics are adjusted across year groups within a key stage in order to closely fit with other subjects and allow for a cross-curricular approach. Science is routinely taught weekly. The curriculum is spiral and therefore units are re-visited, with progression, across several year groups. The Key Knowledge Science document allows teachers to quickly access prior learning and future goals to create effective and appropriate lessons for their year group. In addition to this, teachers are given a half-termly knowledge document which provides practical ideas, key questions and links to texts. At the beginning of each science unit, children complete a knowledge document which activates their prior learning.

Assessment

Throughout the year within Science, children are assessed on their knowledge and understanding for each topic studied. We break down the assessments into 5 key points.

1. Activate prior knowledge using a checking in task at the start of each new unit.

2. Teacher assessment through retrieval/recall/enquiry questions each lesson

3. Use of a concept cartoon to test understanding and provide time to address misconceptions.

4. Complete a checking out task to show the children have gained a clear understanding of the key knowledge for each unit studied.

5. Use Insight data tracking to monitor the children's progress again the year group indicators for each topic studied.

Key Priority 1:

To improve the quality of teaching and learning in Science  by embedding the oracy framework into curriculum planning and delivery. Ensure that classroom talk is intentionally planned, structured and scaffolded to support pupils in learning both to talk and through talk, thereby deepening their subject knowledge and understanding.

Key Priority 2:

Introduce and embed the elements of scientific enquiry across all year groups to develop children’s investigative skills and understanding of the scientific process.

Key Priority 3:

To embed regular retrieval practices in science lessons to strengthen children’s long-term memory of key concepts and vocabulary.

We have an annual visit from Adrian Bowden's Science Show.

Adrian has visited our school many times and we choose a new show each year. He performs one show for EYFS & KS1 and a separate show for KS2.

EYFS have visited Smithills Farm and also enjoy lots of seasonal walks. They have a trip to Wildwood Days and have received a visit from a Bee Keeper.

Year 1 have a STEM trip.

Year 2 visit Blue Planet Aquarium

Years 2 & 5 enjoy a visit from the Wonderdome which helps them to understand space.

Year 3 have a Wow! day based upon forces.

Year 5 have completed a Space showcase where they have shared their knowledge of Space, completing a project at home to share with their peers and adults from home.